Tag: broadband

A need for speed: Slow computer is UK’s most Googled tech problem

  • Slow computers top the list of the UK’s ten most Googled computer problems
  • Forgotten passwords are second, and the “blue screen of death” is third
  • Top tips on how to solve the five most commonly searched issues

The UK’s most searched computer problem is how to speed up a PC or laptop, with Google logging more than 57,000 queries every month related to slow computers.

The study by online security experts PPC Shield found that terms such as “how to speed up laptop” or “speed up Windows 10” accumulated the highest number of average monthly searches in the UK – 57,950 in total.

In second place were forgotten password searches, as an average of 44,050 searches are made each month to change a forgotten password to access a service such as Gmail or Facebook.

In third place is the Windows “blue screen of death”, which appears following a fatal system error to indicates a system crash, and generates 32,590 searches on average each month.

The UK’s fourth most-Googled computer problem is based on problems with Windows updates, with 21,050 monthly searches for terms like “Windows update fix” or “Windows 10 update problems”.

Fifth on the list is another speed-related query – people hoping to find ways to speed up their internet connection, which sees on average 20,850 searches per month.

The sixth and seventh most commonly searched computer issues relate to recovering Windows (19,100 monthly searches), and the more drastic option of resetting Windows (12,150), while number eight in the ranking is the problem of the computer not even starting, which is Googled 11,850 times a month.

Problems with peripherals, such as the keyboard and mouse, are ninth on the list due to 10,760 searches each. In tenth but by no means the least infuriating, are printer problems, which generate 10,350 monthly Google inquiries.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for PPC Shield said: “Society relies on technology more than ever before, so it’s fascinating to see which technical issues are the most common, and our research reveals that computer speed is of paramount importance. Whether we’re working, or browsing for leisure, everyone is so used to the lightning quick speed of modern technology that even small delays can feel like an age.”

The study used a search analytics platform to analyse more than 400 different terms related to computer problems and grouped together similar search terms to find the most common issues. It also found that the single most searched term is “how to speed up laptop”, followed by “change google password”, with “speed up windows 10” in third.

The analysis was conducted by PPC Shield, which enables brands and businesses to optimise their online ad campaigns by filtering out and blocking fraudulent clicks to ensure an advertising budget is not wasted.

Problem rankType of problemAverage monthly number of UK searches
1Computer is too slow57,950
2Forgotten password44,050
3Blue screen of death32,590
4Windows 10 update problems21,050
5Internet is too slow20,850
6Windows 10 recovery19,100
7Reset Windows 1012,150
8Computer not starting11,850
9Mouse and keyboard not working10,760
10Printer not printing10,350

The UK’s top five most Googled computer problems – and tips on how to solve them:

  1. Computer is too slow
  • Uninstall unnecessary software
  • Limit the programs that run at startup
  • Add more RAM to your PC
  • Check for spyware and viruses
  • Use Disk Cleanup and defragmentation
  • Consider a startup SSD
  • Take a look at your web browser, consider clearing out your cache
  1. Forgotten Password

If you’ve forgotten your password to Gmail or Facebook, you can usually choose to reset the password and gain access to your account. Many security experts recommend using a password manager to create complex unique passwords for each account you create.

If you’ve forgotten your password for Windows, it can be slightly trickier:

  • Password reset options are available by answering security questions (if you completed this when you first set up your PC)
  • It is possible to create a “password reset disk” using a USB stick
  • If all else fails, reinstalling windows will reset your password, but it may also cause you to lose your files
  1. Blue Screen of Death

This can be caused by numerous things, including corrupted apps that need to be reinstalled or incompatible hardware/peripherals. These are easily fixed, but sometimes the “BSOD” will not allow you to even access your desktop. You can boot up your PC in “safe mode”, however, and perform some changes from there – namely, reinstalling windows.

  1. Windows 10 update problems

Along with more advanced fixes, some of the most basic ways you can troubleshoot problematic Windows Updates includes:

  • Free up some drive space so you can run updates
  • Restart to apply installed updates
  • Run Windows Update again
  • Disconnect external hardware
  • Update third-party drivers
  • Check Device Manager for errors
  1. Internet is too slow
  • Turn things off and on again.
  • Move your router to a better location.
  • Adjust your router’s antennas.
  • Make sure you’re on the right frequency band.
  • Prune unnecessary connections.
  • Change your Wi-Fi frequency channel.
  • Update your router’s firmware.
  • Replace your equipment.
  • Extend your Wi-Fi network.

BT launches social tariff to support low income households

Universal Credit claimants are set to benefit from a new deal launched by BT yesterday.

Home Essentials, a new social tariff for people on Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits, will give eligible customers a 36Mbps fibre broadband service and 700 minutes of included phone calls for just £15 per month.

The new package, which could potentially be taken by as many as 4.6 million UK households, is around half the price of a standard package on BT’s service with similar features.

Those who want faster performance can opt for average speeds of 67Mbps and unlimited calls via the new same social tariff, but this does push the price to £20 per month.

BT plans to make the new package available next month.

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division, said: “Fast, reliable connectivity has never been as important as it is today, with millions of people relying upon our networks to get back on their feet after the pandemic.

“We want to help as many people as we can, which is why at the end of June we’ll be launching BT Home Essentials, increasing the eligibility of our social tariff to include all customers on Universal Credit.

“BT Home Essentials will be available at half the price of our standard fibre package, helping a potential four million households on low income save on bills and stay connected to vital online services.”

Matt Warman, UK Digital Infrastructure Minister, said: “In today’s digital world, everyone should be able to access fast, reliable and affordable internet, so I’m thrilled that BT is the latest provider to launch new deals for low income households.

“We have been working with internet providers to offer affordable broadband tariffs for those struggling with bills to help the UK build back fairer from the pandemic. I hope to see others taking similar action soon.”

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Access to a good broadband connection is vital for everyday life, however affordability can be an issue for some consumers, so it is good BT that has introduced this new tariff offering decent connection speeds at lower prices to help get more people online.

“BT must now ensure that it proactively engages with those who are eligible so they are aware and can take advantage of these new tariffs.”

CityFibre teams up with Prospect Community Housing to bring full fibre to Edinburgh tenants

More than 900 social housing properties in Edinburgh are to benefit from access to next-generation digital connectivity.

CityFibre has partnered with Prospect Community Housing to bring full fibre to homes owned and managed by the provider across Wester Hailes.

The blanket wayleave agreement will ensure CityFibre’s full fibre network build can continue to go ahead smoothly, meaning residents across the community will be among those able to sign-up for a Gigabit-speed full fibre broadband connection.  

Full fibre networks are recognised as the digital infrastructure of the future for both homes and businesses. With near unlimited bandwidth, full fibre will ensure households can utilise the latest smart home technology, stream entertainment across multiple devices and make it easier to work from home, with virtually no buffering or lagging.

Sanjay Sudra, CityFibre’s Strategic Wayleave Manager, said: “Digital inclusion is a top priority for us at CityFibre so it is a pleasure to be working with Prospect Community Housing, ensuring as many tenants as possible can access our digital infrastructure.

“Over the last year, our broadband connections have truly been a lifeline as we adapt to new ways of working, socialising and entertaining. We are looking forward to the tenants of Wester Hailes reaping the benefits that come with a first-class and future-proof full fibre connection.”

Neil Munro, Property Services Manager at Prospect Community Housing, added: “Given the amount of home working and blended school work we have all experienced over the past year, a fast, efficient and reliable broadband connection is more important than ever. 

“Unlimited bandwidth and gigabit speed has the opportunity to benefit all of our tenants. The work is being planned now and once start dates are agreed we will look to advise our tenants again”.

CityFibre is investing £100m in Edinburgh’s full fibre network which continues to gather pace. CityFibre is already working with launch partner, Vodafone, TalkTalk and Zen, with additional ISPs expected to join the network soon.

Those interested in full fibre broadband can pre-register their interest with CityFibre to receive information when services are available, or check their postcode to see if services are currently available: cityfibre.com/residential

£4.5m to help central Scotland get gigabit speed broadband

  • More than 5,300 homes and businesses across central Scotland to get much faster gigabit broadband.
  • Includes premises in Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Stirlingshire, Greater Glasgow and Lothian.

More than 5,300 homes and businesses in Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Stirlingshire, Greater Glasgow and Lothian will get access to gigabit speeds thanks to the first £4.5 million to be awarded from the UK government’s nationwide gigabit programme.

These premises currently have slow speeds and were already due to benefit from superfast broadband through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100 (R100) programme, which is scheduled to invest £83 million in central Scotland.

But now, thanks to an agreement between the UK and Scottish governments the properties will get gigabit-capable full fibre broadband built directly to their doorsteps.

While superfast provides minimum speeds of 30 megabits per second, gigabit broadband delivers lightning-fast speeds capable of reaching 1,000 megabits per second.

The move will future-proof people’s internet connections in these areas for the next thirty to forty years and allow them to take full advantage of cutting-edge technologies such as 8K TV and virtual reality streaming.

Matt Warman, UK Minister for Digital Infrastructure said: “The first pound to be spent from our £5 billion pot for gigabit broadband will be in Scotland.

“That’s because it is our mission to deliver lightning-fast next-generation internet connections to all parts of the UK as we build back better from the pandemic.

“And this is just the start. Other areas of Scotland and the rest of the UK will benefit from our record investment in this national broadband upgrade and we’ll announce more regions shortly.”

Scotland’s Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The past year has demonstrated beyond doubt just how vital digital connectivity is across all areas of our lives – from health, wellbeing and education to social and economic recovery.

“That’s why the Scottish Government is investing £579 million in funding towards the £600 million cost of our Reaching 100% programme, building the infrastructure which, together with commercially-driven work, will ensure access to superfast broadband speeds to 100% of homes and businesses across Scotland.

The vast majority of connections being delivered to more than 120,000 premises through our investment in the three R100 area contracts – 100% in South, 86% in North and, now, 95% in Central – will be through fibre directly to the premises, delivering gigabit capability, providing connection speeds 30 times faster than our superfast commitment, and resilient, future-proofed connectivity for decades to come.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart said: “It’s great news that Central Scotland has been announced as the first area to benefit from the UK Gigabit Programme, and pleasing to see the UK and Scottish governments working together in partnership to level up communities.

“The UK Government will spend more than £5 billion to help those in areas that need improved connectivity most. This will help us to build back better from coronavirus and create new jobs and economic opportunities.”

The Scottish Government’s R100 programme is in the process of ensuring that all homes and businesses across Scotland can access superfast broadband. The vast majority of connections will be gigabit-capable and delivered via full fibre cables built directly to premises – known as Fibre to the Premise (FTTP).

In Central Scotland there are some premises which were set to be delivered via Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) technology.

The UK Government has committed to delivering nationwide coverage of gigabit capable broadband through its £5 billion UK Gigabit Programme, with a minimum target of 85% coverage by 2025. The £5 billion will be used to subsidise building in hard-to-reach areas that aren’t set to benefit from planned industry rollout.

On the basis that the UK Gigabit Programme would have to revisit these 5,368 premises at some point in the future to convert them to FTTP, the Scottish and UK Governments have agreed a technology ‘flip’ from FTTC to FTTP. This offers the chance to reduce build costs, enabling delivery of the connections earlier and at greater value for money.

The UK government will shortly be announcing further areas of the UK that will be the first to receive a share of the £5 billion and be connected through the UK Gigabit Programme.

Delivering R100 for Scotland

Voucher scheme to ensure superfast broadband access for all.

Details of a voucher scheme to help ensure everyone in Scotland will have access to superfast broadband by the end of 2021 have been announced.

The Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme will provide funding of up to £5,000 to help homes and businesses not in scope of either Reaching 100% (R100) contracts or planned commercial investment to obtain superfast broadband where providers may not ordinarily go.

Interim vouchers of up to £400 are also being made available for premises where superfast broadband is planned for after the end of 2021 – with an additional £250 for those in the hardest-to-reach areas.

An online postcode checker has been launched to give homes and businesses information on superfast roll-out in their area as well as providing information on voucher scheme eligibility.

Scotland’s Connectivity Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “Digital Connectivity has played a vital role in supporting our efforts to keep people safe during the Covid-19 lockdown and will be pivotal in plans for our strategic economic recovery from the pandemic.

“Work is underway to build the infrastructure which will underpin R100, backed by Scottish Government funding of £579M. This, together with commercially-driven work, will ensure the vast majority of homes and businesses across the country can access superfast broadband access by the end of 2021.

“But Scotland has some of the most challenging locations anywhere in Europe for providing telecoms infrastructure and I have always been clear that additional measures may still be needed to provide superfast access to some of the hardest-to-reach areas.

“That is why we have been developing plans in parallel with the main infrastructure investment to ensure our 100% commitment is met, and the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme offering a level of funding far exceeding that of any other broadband voucher scheme currently in operation within the UK, will ensure that everyone can access and benefit from this world-leading digital capability.” 

The R100 online postcode tracker is live now.

CONNECTING SCOTLAND

Around 23,000 low income households without proper internet access will be helped to get online with the assistance of £15 million of Scottish Government funding.

The investment, part of the Connecting Scotland programme, will prioritise disadvantaged families with children and young people leaving care. These families will get a device, twelve months unlimited data as well as technical support to get online safely and securely.

Households will also be linked with a Digital Champion who will provide six months of training and support over the phone. Suitable recipients will be identified by local authorities and third sector organisations who apply to the programme on behalf of those they support.

This second phase of the programme, builds on an initial £5 million to get up to 9,000 households with people at clinical or high risk from Covid-19 connected online.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “It has never been more important to be connected and online. It enables us to access information about how to stay safe and healthy during Covid-19, keep in touch with friends and family, and study or work.

“I am therefore very pleased to be able to extend our Connecting Scotland programme and tackle the digital divide by reaching over 30,000 households across both phases that are experiencing difficulties with online access.

“An additional £15 million will help thousands of families and young care leavers who could not otherwise afford to get online, making sure they are not further disadvantaged by providing the necessary hardware, data, and skills they need to get connected.

“This builds on £25m investment in devices and connectivity which will support around 70,000 school pupils.”

David McNeill, Director of Development at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, added: “The first phase of Connecting Scotland has made a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people who were missing out on the benefits of being online. It has enabled them to stay connected to friends and family, informed and entertained, and able to continue with learning and work.

“This additional investment will enable hundreds of organisations from across the public and third sectors to provide support to those who need it most, removing the barriers related to the affordability of kit and connectivity, as well as helping to build digital confidence and skills.”

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children 1st also said: “Children 1st were delighted to take part in the first phase of the Connecting Scotland programme to help families without access to IT to cope through coronavirus.

“Good digital access is essential to keeping both children and parents connected to education, their friends and families and to wider support from charities like Children 1st during these extremely difficult times.  It’s great to see the programme being rolled out to reach even more families.”

Briggs: New measures to keep us connected

A range of new measures have come into force to help the country to stay digitally connected during the coronavirus. 

Ofcom, the regulatory authority for telecommunications, has announced new commitments to help broadband consumers during this difficult time.

These include: 

  • Working with customers who are finding it difficult to pay their bill to ensure they are treated fairly and supported appropriately.
  • Removing all data allowance caps on all current fixed broadband services.
  • Ensuring that vulnerable customers receive alternative methods of communication if priority repairs to fix landlines and broadband cannot be carried out.
  • Offering new generous mobile and landline packages to ensure people are connected such as free calls or data boosts.

These commitments, effective immediately, will be delivered by the major internet service and mobile providers, namely BT/EE, Openreach, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, O2, Vodafone, Three, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, and KCOM.

 Universal Service Obligation 

From the 20th March, households also now have a legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection from BT under the new Universal Service Obligation (USO). 

Lothian residents can check if they are eligible for an upgrade at www.bt.com/uso or by calling BT direct on 0800 783 0223.

Those eligible may be able to use a 4G Hub or will have work done up to £3,400 free of charge to install a fixed line connection. 

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “During the Coronavirus lockdown, being connected to the rest of the world is more important than ever, for working from home and staying connected with friends and family.

 “These measures by Ofcom will ensure that people can remain connected during this pandemic. A number of household in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s will be finding it financially hard at the moment and companies have a responsibility to treat their customers fairly.”

Two in three Scots more reliant on their broadband than ever before

  • 64% of people in the Scotland are more dependent on their broadband and internet connection than ever before, as a result of the Covid-19 isolation. 
  • Half (51%) of Scots are using the internet to keep in touch with loved ones, to entertain themselves (58%), and to keep up with the ever-changing news (62%). 
  • Biggest broadband frustrations for the millions of people now working from home include inconsistent connection (8%), slower downloads (14%), and the internet cutting out for no reason at all (12%) 

Banished Brits are more dependent on their internet and broadband provider than ever before. In Scotland, 58% are increasing their internet use due to the restrictions of Covid-19, a new study reveals. 

As of Monday 23rd March 2020, UK residents were put under strict guidelines to stay at home.

The study, from leading price comparison website, Moneyexpert.com, found that 35% of people in Scotland are using the internet for different means because of Covid-19,  and that more than a quarter (27%) are finding it a lot more challenging to use the internet for things such as video calls or shopping for food online.

However, a huge 90% of people in the Scotland are using the internet in ways they never have before. While 62% are using the internet to keep up with the news and Government changes, 58% are relying on strong connection to keep themselves entertained, and to keep in touch with loved ones (51%).

15% are checking in on the elderly or an ‘at risk’ friend or family member, and some are even holding out hope for a summer holiday abroad by planning their next getaway!

With millions of Brits now working from home, the reliance on a strong connection is more necessary than ever. 

However, for many, the change from professional office to home office isn’t quite as smooth and simple as hoped for. Almost one in ten (8%) people in Scotland say the speed of their connection is completely inconsistent, and for some (12%) the internet is cutting out for no reason at all.

Virtual video meetings are causing Brits to look completely unprofessional, with a third of those in the Scotland (33%) missing meetings due to poor internet connection – on average, people have missed around four meetings since the pandemic began.

Unfortunately, broadband problems are not a new discovery in isolation.

More than two thirds (71%) of Scots have considered changing their broadband and consider cost as a factor they’d think about heavily (89%) when preparing to switch. Almost half (44%) would like expert advice when doing so.

Jason Smith, CEO of Moneyexpert.com, said: “With a significant proportion of the UK now working in a new way from home, many are coming up against new problems with their broadband and internet connection.

“45% of Brits are finding it difficult to connect to video meetings when more than one person in the house is using the internet, so consider creating a shared calendar to schedule meetings, and keep one room in the house free for those important calls.

“With weeks and months of uncertainty ahead, optimising our home spaces to be entirely fit for our changed needs will help us reduce stress and keep our sanity. A suitable broadband connection with a minimum guaranteed speed is a key part of that.”

Yesterday, broadband providers joined together to announce new measures to keep vulnerable broadband customers connected.

Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, said: “It is positive to see the industry working together to ensure vulnerable customers can stay connected during these unprecedented times, when more people than ever will be relying on a good broadband connection.

“Customer support is also vital to keep people connected, and a good provider will not only deliver decent connection but also good value for money and customer service when needed. Anyone with concerns on paying their bills should contact their provider immediately.”

Go to www.moneyexpert.com/broadband/ to view some of the best broadband deals available right now. 

Scottish Government acts to cut disruption on roads and pavements

Communities will face less disruption with new standards to manage road works and speed up the installation of fibre broadband. A national code of practice will see the standardisation of faster and more modern techniques for trench digging for improving utility services.

The development of more compact cables has seen modern techniques, such as requiring narrower holes and less excavation required, increasing the speed of delivery. The technique also safeguards the roads by reducing the need for return visits to repair failed trenches.

As well as broadband cable installation, this will mean shorter periods of disruption for power, water and gas works who use this technique.

Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse (above) visited a Virgin Media dig to see a new broadband installation taking place and discuss the new code with the installation team. He said: “The Scottish Government has listened to the views of companies who tell us that narrow trenching can help companies deliver fibre broadband faster and with less disruption to communities.

“We understand that utility companies operate in a competitive market. They are therefore constantly looking for ways to improve their efficiency and to reduce their costs in order to keep ahead of their competition. This has led to innovation in how infrastructure, such as broadband, is deployed.

“We have updated the code to enable narrow trenching to take place consistently, and in a manner which protects our pavements and road network, and this has the added benefit that will result in the faster deployment of broadband across Scotland and a reduction in the disruption communities face during the roll out itself.”

Julie Agnew, Regional Director for Scotland at Virgin Media, said: “As Virgin Media continues to invest in bringing ultrafast broadband to more areas of Scotland, this new code gives much needed clarity for networks to be built in a fast, flexible and efficient way with minimal disruption.

“We thank the Scottish Government for working with us and creating an environment that encourages and supports broadband builders like Virgin Media.”

The Code of Practice comes into force immediately.

 

 

 

Edinburgh set to join broadband premier league

Edinburgh is next in line, alongside Stirling, to be transformed as part of CityFibre and Vodafone’s partnership to roll-out ultra-fast, Gigabit-capable full fibre broadband across the UK. The announcement, which brings the total number of homes and businesses identified as part of the partnership to over half a million premises across seven cities, represents an investment by CityFibre of £110m in the cities. Continue reading Edinburgh set to join broadband premier league